Craving a spicy twist on classic comfort food? These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes deliver bold flavors with tender Cajun chicken, zesty seasoning, bell peppers, and tangy tomato sauce—all ready in just 25 minutes using one skillet. This healthier Cajun chicken alternative packs protein and vitamins while bringing Louisiana heat to your weeknight dinners or game day.
What Makes Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Special?
Traditional sloppy joes use ground beef, but our Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes feature lean Cajun chicken for fewer calories and fat. Rustic Cajun chicken spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic, and onion powder create smoky heat and depth, transforming this American staple into an exciting dish.
Cajun cuisine from the Acadians blends bold spices with simple ingredients. Pair your Cajun chicken sloppy joes with sides like our Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes or Honey Glazed Carrots for a complete Southern meal.
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Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delicious twist on traditional sloppy joes, featuring spiced ground chicken and Cajun flavors for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), finely diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1/3 cup of ketchup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: pickles, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sauté for about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Push the vegetables to the side and add the ground chicken, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Once chicken is browned (about 5-7 minutes), sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir well.
- Add the tomato sauce and ketchup, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- While simmering, toast the hamburger buns.
- Spoon the Cajun chicken mix onto the toasted buns and add toppings before serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, try using lettuce wraps instead of buns.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cajun, Chicken, Sloppy Joes, Comfort Food, Quick Meal
Ingredients for Cajun Chicken (Serves 4)
- 1 lb ground Cajun chicken
- 1 Tbsp Cajun chicken seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Optional: pickles, shredded cheddar, green onions
Step-by-Step Cajun Chicken Instructions
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 15 min | Total: 25 min
1. Sauté Aromatics for Cajun Chicken
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook Your Cajun Chicken
- Push veggies aside; add ground Cajun chicken. Break apart and cook 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Sprinkle Cajun chicken seasoning over chicken; stir to coat evenly.
3. Build & Simmer Cajun Chicken Sauce
- Stir in tomato sauce and ketchup. Season with salt/pepper.
- Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 10 minutes until your Cajun chicken thickens.
4. Assemble Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Toast buns in skillet or oven.
- Spoon Cajun chicken mixture onto buns; add pickles, cheese, onions.
- Serve hot Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with weight-loss friendly fruits or Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Cajun Chicken Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 5g |
Pro Tips for Perfect Cajun Chicken
- Brown Cajun chicken Properly: Don’t rush—caramelization builds flavor depth.
- Heat Control: Reduce cayenne in your Cajun chicken seasoning for mild version.
- Bun Upgrade: Try cornbread muffins or lettuce wraps with Cajun chicken.
- Make Ahead: Cajun chicken filling stores 4 days in fridge; perfect for meal prep.
Easy Cajun Chicken Variations
- Vegetarian: Use lentils instead of Cajun chicken; see our Paleo Recipes.
- Cheesy: Melt pepper jack on your Cajun chicken.
- Slider Style: Use dinner rolls like our Buffalo Chicken Sliders.
- Creamy: Stir ¼ cup cream cheese into Cajun chicken at end.
Cajun Chicken Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store Cajun chicken filling in airtight container up to 4 days. Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months. Reheat: Stovetop with splash of water; keep your Cajun chicken moist.
Perfect Pairings for Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Glazed Carrots or Maple Glazed Carrots
- Coleslaw or Pasta Salad
- Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Check official Tony Chachere’s Cajun recipes for authentic Cajun chicken seasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cajun Chicken
Can I make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes ahead?
Yes! Prepare Cajun chicken filling up to 4 days ahead; reheat before serving.
Gluten-free Cajun Chicken option?
Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps with your Cajun chicken.
How to make spicier Cajun Chicken?
Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne to your Cajun chicken seasoning.
Can I use chicken breasts for Cajun Chicken?
Yes, finely chop chicken breasts. Ground Cajun chicken works best for texture.
Slow cooker Cajun Chicken method?
Cook Cajun chicken on low 4-6 hours after browning. Like our Slow Cooker Turkey Breast.
Love easy Cajun chicken recipes? Try our Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup or Lasagna Soup. Save and share your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes!













